Sep 18, 2009

The Annabelle hydrangea is known for its low maintenance requirements and versatility, blooming in many soil types and sun exposures — it’s among the best-selling hydrangeas in the world. But it has one big limitation: It blooms only in white…until now.

With rich pink mop-head flowers and rounded habit, ‘Invincibelle Spirit‘ — available this spring to retailers through Proven Winners ColorChoice — also works well in general landscaping, including naturalized areas, and is hardy in Zones 3 to 9. It blooms in full sun to partial shade and reblooms without deadheading. But this “holy grail” of Hydrangea arborescens, in its long-awaited pink hue, is special for another reason: Its sales will help raise money for breast cancer research.

Proven Winners is dedicated to raise at least $1 million for breast cancer research and will donate $1 for each ‘Invincibelle Spirit’ sold. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation was a natural partnership choice for ‘Invincibelle Spirit’, said Tim Wood, product development and marketing manager at Spring Meadow Nursery: “More than 90 percent of the money raised by BCRF goes directly to research,” Wood said. “It’s a far-reaching cause that’s meaningful to many of our customers.”

The retail introduction of ‘Invincibelle Spirit’ opens up new fundraising opportunities with nurseries, garden centers and community organizations. Spring Meadow Nursery, the official licensee of ‘Invincibelle Spirit’, placed a BCRF donation widget on their website to further assist the cause.

GPN recognizes 40 industry professionals under the age of 40 who are helping to determine the future of the horticulture industry. These individuals are today’s movers and shakers who are already setting the pace for tomorrow.